ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Special Service and Features
Public must be Cautious regarding Ongoing frauds relating to installation of Mobile Towers - Telecommunications Department
It has been brought to the notice of the Department of Telecommunications  that some unscrupulous companies/agencies/individuals are cheating the general public by promising them hefty monthly rental payment for installation of Mobile Towers. Such companies are allegedly asking the public to deposit money in personal/companies accounts' under various heads such as security deposit/application fee/registration charges/stamp duty/government tax under the Telecom Act/clearing of advance payment, etc. for leasing/renting the premises of individuals for installation of Mobile Towers. It has been found that after collecting the money these companies/individuals/agencies simply disappear. These fictitious companies at times even issue fake “No Objection Certificates” for installation of towers, under the name of DoT/TRAI/other government departments.
The public at large is hereby informed that:-
1. DoT/TRAI is not directly or indirectly involved in leasing/renting the premises for installation of mobile towers.
2. DoT/TRAI or its officers do not issue any “No Objection Certificate” for the installation of mobile towers.
3. A mobile tower may be installed by either Telecom Service Provider  or Infrastructure Provider  as per their licensing/registration conditions. The updated list of TSPs and IP-1 is available on DoT website i.e. https://dot.gov.in/access-services/list-access-service-licences-issued & https://dot.gov.in/infrastructure-provider respectively. The public are cautioned that before they entertain any offer for installation of towers, they should verify the authenticity of TSP/IP-1 from the DoT website.
4. In case any company/agency/individual is asking for advance or application fee or money in any form before actual installation of tower, public is hereby cautioned to be extra careful and verify the credentials of the company. Normally, NO TSP or IP-I company asks for any advance money for installation of towers.
5. Any person or entity found fraudulently involved in such activity like  taking advance etc. in the name of installation of mobile towers  using DoT/TRAI name/logo/recommendations or national emblem is liable to be prosecuted under applicable laws. If any person comes across any such fraudulent activity then he/she may report the incident to local police authorities. In addition, the local field unit of DoT may also be contacted whose contact details are available on DoT website and accessible at https://dot.gov.in/relatedlinks/director-general-telecom. The contact details of the local DOT field unit who may be contacted is given below:
6. Any loss/damage incurred by an individual will be the sole responsibility of the individual. DoT has no responsibility towards such losses or damages suffered by afore-mentioned individuals, directly or indirectly, by becoming victims of such fraudulent actions.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Project for 4-Laning of Goa/Karnataka Border to Kundapur section of NH-17 in Karnataka to be completed by December 2022.
The project for 4-Laning of Goa/Karnataka Border to Kundapur section of NH-17 in the State of Karnataka is near completion. In a series of tweets Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari informed that presently ~173 Km  and while traffic is open on the project, the remaining project will be completed by December 2022.
The Minister said Government under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is actively working towards building world class infrastructure across every corner of the country & leading New India towards an era of 'Prosperity Through Connectivity'.
Shri Gadkari said spanning a length of ~187 KM, this stretch has Arabian sea coast on one side and Western Ghats on the other side. He said magnificent due to its scenic view, this project is an important coastal highway link between west and south India.
The Minister said the strategic highway passes through a variety of terrains with almost 50% of the length passing through rolling terrain  and mountainous terrain .
Aimed at providing a world class road infrastructure experience to travellers, the alignment connects major cities & towns along the way including Panvel, Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Panaji, Margao, Karwar, Udupi, Surathkal, Mangalore, Kozhikode, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, & Kanyakumari, he added.
Shri Gadkari said this highway development has helped in providing a new impetus to economic development in the project influence area with multifold opportunities for new commercial and industrial establishments. He said this has led to creation of direct & indirect jobs for the local population. Further, the project will reduce travel time, prevent accidents, optimize vehicle operating costs and help in fuel savings due to smoother road and reduce congestion for inter & intra state commuters, he said.
Prime Minister's Office
PM interacts with Kashmiri Pandits in Houston
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today met a delegation of Kashmiri Pandits in Houston, Texas.
During the interaction, the community members strongly supported the steps taken by the Prime Minister for the progress of India and the empowerment of every Indian.
“I had a special interaction with Kashmiri Pandits in Houston.”, Prime Minister tweeted after the interaction.
Ministry of Communications
Delhi Postal Circle observed Swachhta Pakhwada
Delhi Postal Circle is observing "Swachhta Pakhwada", as part of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan of the Government of India from November 16, 2021 to November 30, 2021. All Postal and Railway Mail Units, Post Offices and Mail Offices under Delhi Circle have undertaken this drive with commitment. Ms. Manju Kumar, Chief Postmaster General, Delhi Circle is leading the campaign and Shri Harpreet Singh, Postmaster General , Shri Ashok Kumar, Postmaster General  & Shri Ram Vilas Chaudhary, DPS  are closely monitoring the daily activities for accomplishing the objective of this Swachhta Pakhwada.
The Pakhwada campaign commenced on November 16, 2021 with Swachhta Pledge at Post Offices, Mail Offices and Adminstrative Offices. As per the directives of Government of India for creating awareness among the public about the Swachhta Abhiyan and preservation of water, all units of Delhi Postal Circle organized various programmes in Post office, Mail Office, Staff quarters, surrounding areas such as:
• Painting of Letter Boxes
• Cleanliness and Sanitization of Post Offices, Mail Offices, Administrative Offices and Postal Colonies.
• Awareness about cleanliness, social distancing and measures to prevent spread of Corona Virus.
• Distribution of masks, gloves and sanitizers.
• Organizing swachhta march.
• Organizing essay writing and Poster making competitions on Swachh Bharat Mission etc.
- Webinar on awareness about importance of cleanliness and sanitation.
During this campaign, postal staff took active participation in Shramdaan. The Postmen in the Delhi Circle worked as “Swachhta Doot” for spreading awareness about Swachhta in their delivery beats.
The Delhi Postal Circle is committed to make this Swachhta Mission a big success.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 100Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 10.53 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccinemanufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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1,00,35,96,665
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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10,53,11,155
More than 100 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 10.53Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Science & Technology
DST Secretary highlights digital transformation opportunities that emerged from COVID 19 disruptions
Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Professor Ashutosh Sharma, has emphasised that the future is all about convergence of digital technologies and that COVID 19 virus has provided the country opportunity to be part of the change rather than resisting it. Professor Sharmawas speaking at webinar on Digital Transformation in COVID-19.
“Use of digital technologies and machines can take the country to new heights and fulfil the dream of our Prime Minister of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’,” Professor Sharma pointed out. He added that data is the new Mantra, and we must value data to use it for our progress at the webinar organised by the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises .
Professor Sharma explained that future has been coming to us at a fast pace even before the COVID-19, but the virus has changed everything. It has disrupted every sector and every life beyond imagination. Its’ impact is on all aspects-- whether it is availability of labour, supply chains, or logistics. However, the more disruptive the challenge, the bigger will be the achievement, and this is a very good time to think where we are and where we want to be.
He elucidated that several opportunities have been created in digital, cyber digital areas. “With the youth power we have, this is a great opportunity for all stakeholders to use it to enlarge the scope of business and to reach more people," Prof. Ashutosh Sharma stressed.
The pandemic has created pressures on the business environment, necessitating the adoption of technology and digitalization. Companies across sectors are accelerating investments in Digital Technologies to meet business requirements. SCOPE conducted the Webinar to discuss how various sectors can leverage Digital to operate in the new business environment.
The topics in the webinar included digital economy in COVID, digital disruptions & impact on key sectors, emerging digital themes in the wake of COVID-19, and realigning digital priorities.
The speakers included S.M.Vaidya, Chairman, IOC, Rakesh Kumar, CMD, NLC & Chairman, SCOPE, Sushant Rabra, Partner, KPMG India, and Manas Majumdar, Partner, KPMG India.
Ministry of Defence
CLARIFICATION ON TWITTER ACCOUNT SQN LDR VISHAL RANDHAWA
It is hereby clarified that there is no air warrior by the name of Sqn Ldr Vishal Randhawa in the Indian Air Force, either serving or retired. The IAF dissociates itself from the views expressed by the Twitter account @V_Randhawa_ .
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Success Story-Enterprise moves forward with Udyam Registration
Ministry of MSME helped Madeem Jagirdar of Nexus Private Limited to get financial assistance and avail the benefits of government tenders by obtaining #Udyam Registration. He had worked hard to ensure that the innovative children education products of his enterprise reach every child of India but in his journey, he started facing a lot of hurdles. These obstacles were removed by Ministry of MSME. He says, “After obtaining #Udyam Registration I could avail the benefits of EMD exemption, turnover exemption etc. which helped my company to move forward.” His products are now benefitting numerous children of our country.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Data Transfer of Digital Health Records
MoHFW had drafted a "Digital Information Security in Healthcare Act ” with the objective to ensure data privacy, confidentiality, reliability and security of digital health data. This Ministry forwarded the draft legislation to Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology  for seeking their inputs and guidance.
In response, it was informed that MeitY is in process of enacting ‘Data Protection Framework on Digital Information Privacy, Security & Confidentiality’ Act, which would be applicable in all domains including health. This act would provide the framework for Ministry to utilize the patient data in programmes in a secured manner.
Therefore, the Ministry submitted the draft DISHA Act to MeitY to be subsumed in the upcoming ‘Data Protection Framework on Digital Information Privacy, Security & Confidentiality’ Act to avoid the duplicity of effort.
The Minister of State , Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.
Ministry of Finance
IFSCA Committee submits interim report on development of international retail business
The International Financial Services Centres Authority  Expert Committee on international retail business development in the IFSC has submitted its interim report to the Chairperson of the IFSCA. The interim report covers a number of suggestions aimed at swift and efficient development of international retail businesses in the IFSC, and focuses mainly on the banking vertical. Other key business verticals, i.e., insurance, asset management, and capital markets, will be covered in reports that the committee plans to release subsequently.
The Expert Committee has been constituted by the IFSCA with an aim to suggest how to develop international retail business in International Financial Services Centre  along with potential strategies for making IFSC attractive for international financial services; provide a roadmap for future growth of international retail business in IFSC; and also examine and recommend any other issues that are important in the development of the IFSC.
Speaking of the vision for GIFT IFSC, Shri Injeti Srinivas, Chairperson, IFSCA, said, “Our focus is to provide a best in class jurisdiction with progressive and light touch regulation to create an attractive location for international financial services. Our vision is to establish GIFT IFSC as a Dominant Gateway for global financial flows into and out of India, and simultaneously emerge as a major global financial hub.”
The committee suggests that the IFSC can aim at:
 Becoming a gateway to India growth story for international investors and business
 Providing Indian diaspora and individuals from Asia and Africa with a comprehensive range of financial services from the IFSC.
 Serving domestic residents availing liberalized remittance scheme.
Further, the IFSC with its approach of “FinServe from IFSC” would complement the ‘Make in India’ vision of the Government of India. “There is immense immediate potential to promote international retail business in IFSC, and if done efficiently, it will meet three key objectives – boost job creation, generate additional revenue for India, and attract funds  for building India’s infrastructure. The IFSC must aim to provide best in class jurisdictions and aim to build its competitiveness in terms of key factors like reputation, regulatory environment, taxation and ease of operations,” said Pradip Shah, Chairman of the Expert Committee. The other members of the Expert Committee comprise G. Srinivasan, , Siddhartha Sengupta, , Shyamal Mukherjee , Prakash Subramanian , Dipesh Shah  and Nitin Jaiswal .
The Government of India had constituted the IFSCA with Shri I Srinivas as its Chairperson earlier this year to develop and regulate the financial services market in the IFSC in India. Apart from channelizing India's offshore business to the IFSC located at GIFT City and making it the gateway for India centric international financial services, the objective is to make it a global hub for international financial services on the lines of London, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Dubai.
Ministry of External Affairs
Fake Job Racket in Myanmar
There have been media reports related to ongoing Myanmar based fake job racket entrapping Indians for digital/crypto scam. An estimated 100-150 Indian nationals are stuck in Myawaddy area of Myanmar across Thailand. Our assessment is that most of the Indian nationals are from Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Since the first reporting of the case in July 2022, the Ministry of External Affairs through its Embassies in Thailand and Myanmar has been taking necessary action to rescue such Indian nationals including facilitating necessary consular access to the rescued/released Indian nationals at Immigration Detention centers. Through the efforts of our Mission in Yangon, 32 Indian nationals have already been rescued from Myanmar. Both our Embassies in Yangon and Bangkok have issued advisories and have been regularly taking up the matter with the local authorities.
It has come to our notice that duped Indian nationals travel using the 'Visa on arrival' facility to Bangkok and are quickly transferred to Myanmar hence tracking their arrival and onward movement is not possible until the Indian Embassy is contacted by the victims or their relatives after being trafficked across the border. It has been revealed by some of the rescued victims that such camps are located in Myanmar and mostly under protection of some armed groups. In many instances individuals had taken the offer and joined the camps despite being pre-warned by our Missions through regular advisories. It has also been noted that some Indians are voluntarily involved in scamming jobs and reportedly received good remuneration/incentive to lure other Indian nationals.
The target groups are IT skilled youth who are duped in the name of lucrative data entry jobs in Thailand through social media advertisements as well as by Dubai and India based agents. So far names of companies namely OKX Plus , Lazada, Super Energy group, Zhentian group have been identified offering these jobs. The trapped victims are allowed limited movement and restricted phone usage. They are forced to engage in digital scamming and crypto fraud activities. Fake FB/Instagram accounts and Ids are created in the name of Chinese girls which are further used to befriend with high networth individuals from USA and European countries to dupe them in the name of Crypto Currency investment. Cases of some Indians managing to secure release after paying ransom to the tune of USD 3500 to 7000 have also come to our notice.
UPSC
Exam Schedule Announcements by UPSC following Lockdown
Chairman and Members of UPSC to voluntarily forego 30% of the basic pay for a period of one year, with effect from April, 2020.
All officers and staff members of the UPSC have volunteered one-day salary to thePM CARES Fund.
A special meeting of the Commission was held on April, 15, 2020 to review the situation arising out of the Corona Virus pandemic.
In view of the prevailing lockdown restrictions, including social distancing norms, it was decided that dates for all interviews, Examinations and Recruitment Boards, where candidates and advisers are required to travel from all parts of the country, will be reviewed from time to time. A decision on fresh dates for the remaining Civil Services-2019 Personality Tests will be taken after May, 3, 2020, following the second phase of the lockdown. Dates for the Civil Services-2020 , Engineering Services  and the Geologist Services  Examinations had already been announced. Any rescheduling in these examinations, if necessitated by the evolving situation, will be notified on the website of the UPSC. Deferment notices have already been posted for the Combined Medical Services Examination, the Indian Economic Service and the Indian Statistical Service Examination 2020. Dates for the CAPF Exam 2020 will also be notified on the UPSC website. The National Defence Academy Examination has already been postponed till further intimation. A decision on the NDA –II Examination will be posted on June 10, 2020, the scheduled date for its notification. Any other decision of the Commission in respect of all the Examinations, Interviews and Recruitment Boards will be promptly made available on the Commission’s website.
The Commission reviewed the harm caused to the national economy by the corona virus pandemic. Recognizingthe need to conserve financial resources at the national level, the Chairman and Members of the Union Public Service Commission have decided to voluntarily forego 30% of the basic pay received by them from the Commission for a period of one year, with effect from April, 2020.
In addition, all officers and staff members of the UPSC have volunteered one-day salary to the PM’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situation Fund .
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Cabinet
Cabinet approves the revised Office Memorandum pertaining to the Cabinet Note on “Amendment of Constitution to provide for reservation for Economically Weaker Sections”
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given ex post facto approval to the revised Office Memorandum  pertaining to the Cabinet Note on “Amendment of Constitution to provide for reservation for Economically Weaker Sections”. The OM was approved by the Cabinet on 8th January 2019.
Benefits:
The approval will promote social equity by providing opportunities in higher education and employment to those who have been excluded by virtue of their economic status.
PIB Headquarters
GSITI AND GU TO COLLABORATE IN AWARDING Ph.D. DEGREES
The Geological Survey of India Training Institute  and Gauhati University , Guwahati have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding  on Collaboration for Academic and Research Programs leading to Ph.D. degree. The MoU was signed on 07.05.2019 at GU, Guwahati by Shri Ch Venkateswara Rao, Deputy Director General & Head, M-V GSITI and Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, Registrar, GU in the august presence of Dr. Mridul Hazarika, Vice-Chancellor, Gauhati University. Dr. Taraknath Pal, Director, TC, GSITI and Sri Somnath Sharma, Director, SU: Assam, GSI were also there in the GSTI team, while Prof. Utpal Sarma, co-ordinator, IAQC, Prof. Dilip Kakati, Dean, faculty of science, Prof. Parag Phukan, HoD Geological sciences Department, Prof. Sauravpran Goswami, Dean, faculty of Arts, and other faculty members were in GU team.
Geological Survey of India is a premier Earth science organization in the country established in 1851 having vast data repository in the field of earth sciences and professional training institute GSITI headquarters at Hyderabad. Gauhati University is a reputed center of learning, situated in Guwahati. GU being degree awarding institute and having large pool of outstanding faculty this MoU would benefit both GSI and GU to exchange faculty and scientists in areas of common interest to impart training to all stakeholders. MoU also enables both the institutes to collaborate in research of common interest where in GSI officers will be awarded Ph. D degrees.
This MoU between Geological Survey of India Training Institute and Gauhati University will enhance the Research & Development  activities in the North-Eastern part of India.